Someone Like You (14 page)

Chapter Twenty

Temperance

What the hell is
going on?

I lie in be
d, mulling over the past few days.

I can’t believe I’ve actually been having fun with Priestly.

The night a
fter the Halloween party, we cleaned the flat together and the last two days have consisted of us chilling out and watching bad TV.

I’m also pretty sure
there has been some flirting going on, which is totally bizarre because, seriously, since when do I flirt?

It started with
the innuendos, then it was playful banter … what’s next? I pounce on unsuspecting males?

This is Anson’s doing.

He put that idea into my head with all his sexual tension nonsense.

I heave a sigh and reluctantly get out of bed. As I make my way to the kitchen, I find myself shocked when I notice Priestly making coffee.

What the hell has gotten into him?

“Um, is this some sort of parallel universe?” I say loudly as I enter the room.

Priestly hands me a mug and grins mischievously. “Nah, I still live with you, Nerd Girl … in a parallel universe, I like to think I’d be surrounded by supermodels.”

I roll my eyes. “And to think, you’re meant to be the most famous womaniser on campus! You might want to work on your flirting techniques.” I say with a smirk.

“Who says I was flirting with you?” he quips back, throwing me a challenging look.

Damn. I walked right into that one.

I feel myself blush but shrug casually. “I didn’t say you were.”

He raises an eyebrow and sidles closer to me. “Uh huh, well do you want to see me really turning on the charm?”

I gulp nervously as I try not to freak out at how close he is.

Breathe
, just breathe.

I glance up into those
grey eyes and before I have the chance to answer back with a witty retort, he moves a stray hair from my face.

“You see, if I was flirting with you,” he says as
his finger traces my jaw line. “I’d make sure that I had an excuse to touch you.”

He lets his hand fall onto my shoulder and trails his fingers down my bare arm, making me shiver.

“I’d also make a point of purposely staring at your lips.” he continues, glancing at my mouth.

My breath hitches as he leans in a little closer.

“Then I’d wrap my arm around your waist.” he says, doing exactly that.

I stare at him, wondering if he’s messing with me or if he’s being serious.

God, I don’t know anymore. Whatever happened to the days of boys pulling your hair because they liked you?

“And then I’d –” he suddenly stops talking at the sound of my phone ringing.

Damn it.

He pulls back and lets go of me as I scramble to pick up my phone.

Anson.

“What?” I say abruptly as I answer the phone.

“Well hello to you too!” Anson replies drily.

“Sorry.” I say. “What’s up?”

“What’s going on? Did I interrupt something?” he asks innocently but I know that if I could see him, he’d definitely be smirking.

“No.” I say adamantly, trying my best to ignore Priestly’s close proximity. I watch as he makes some toast and throws me a small smile.

“Can I talk to you later?” I ask Anson.

“Oh! I get it!” Anson suddenly sings down the phone. “You and Priestly finally hooked up, didn’t you? Never worry darlin’, I’ll get all the dirty details in class later. I’ll let you get back to doing the nasty with –”

“Goodbye Anson!” I say, cutting in and then promptly hang up.

I turn back to Priestly.

“Everything okay?” he asks, handing me a piece of toast.

I nod, pretending that I’m not both pissed at Anson for interrupting and annoyed that Priestly’s flirty demeanour seems to have suddenly disappeared.

“Just Anson.” I tell him before taking a bite of toast.

I watch as Priestly nods and then clears his throat awkwardly. “Well, I gotta go get ready for class.”

“Okay
, I’ve got to get ready too.” I say resignedly, wishing that we could do the whole flirty thing again … even if I know that it’s extremely dangerous to play this game with someone like Priestly.

“Oh, well
you’ve got to do one thing first.” he says with a smile.

“What?” I ask, intrigued.

“You have to let me walk you to class.” he tells me, taking me by surprise.

“What?” I say stupidly, staring at him. “Why?”

“Just in case.” he says quietly and I know he’s referring to the incident with Nixon.

I nod. “Okay, thanks.”

Who knew he could be so sweet?

He then suddenly grins. “But just so you know, as irresistible as I am, I draw the line at you holding my hand.”

And now he’s back to his usual self.

I roll my eyes. “Oh get over yourself!”

“Only if you get under me.” he quips with a cocky grin.

I blush but land a swift blow to his ribs with my elbow.

“Oof! That’s what a guy gets for being chivalrous?” he says, pretending to look wounded but then grins wickedly. “Unless this is the start of my
punishment
– in which case, I think we should come up with some safe words before this gets completely out of hand.”

I punch his shoulder. “No,
that’s
what you get for being a moron. What you could’ve got for being chivalrous … well, now you’ll never know.” I tell him with a wry laugh.

***

Priestly

Fuck. My. Life.

I think … I think I
might like Nerd Girl … like actually
like
her.

Oh God … Carter is going to give me so much shit about it.

I don’t know what it is about her and I can’t explain it but I like flirting with her, teasing her and trying to make her blush.

Fuck, I keep trying to kiss her too.

What the hell is wrong with me?

As I debate this issue, I grab my Business textbook and wait for Temperance by the front door.

I mean she’s such a nerd. Someone like her is usually not my type but there’s just something about her that I find … attractive. From her baggy shirts to her quirky glasses, there’s just something about her that I can’t help but like.

“Ready to go?” Temperance suddenly asks, interrupting my
fucked up train of thought.

I eye her carefully and throw her a quick smile, hoping that she has overlooked the weird flirting that took place this morning. Although, I do think I managed to save myself from any embarrassment by bantering with her after Anson’s phone call.

Still, I really have to be more careful. I could have kissed her and fucked up this tutoring arrangement before we’ve even started it. It’s time to focus on what’s at stake here … and that’s me passing this damn Business class.

I throw her another grin, which she returns.

Yeah.

I’m fucked.

Chapter Twenty-One

Temperance

“He likes you
.” Anson declares when I tell him about how Priestly walked me to class.

As I gather up my English books to head out of the classroom, I shake my head and
let out a laugh. “Give it up Anson! Nothing is going to happen between us.”

Your phone call made sure of that this morning, I don’t add.

Although, I can’t be sure that Priestly was being serious and was actually going to kiss me … knowing him, he was probably just messing with my head.

“Bullshit.” Anson says, looping our arms together as we exit the building and make our way to a café for lunch.
“I stand by what I said se-”

“If you say sexual tension one more time,” I interrupt. “So help me God, I will slap you!”

“Ooh, touchy! And I was so convinced that you were getting in on with him when I rang this morning.” he says, looking very disappointed.

I
throw him a dirty look. “Whatever happened to
you’re not exactly his type
or
he can be kind of an asshole
?”

He smirks. “But I also told you to fight back.”

I frown. “So? What are you getting at Anson?”

“He thrives on getting his own way and you’re standing up to him. Maybe that’s surprised him … maybe that’s why he’s being protective of you … maybe he actually does genuinely like you.” Anson tells me seriously.

“Yeah, sure … maybe that’s why he keeps trying to kiss me.”

“WHAT?”

Oh shit.

“I said that out loud, didn’t I?”

Anson nods. “What the hell? He’s kissed you?” he asks, flapping his hands excitedly.

I sigh and shake my head. “No. But … there have been a few almost kisses.”

“WHAT!” he screams at me, causing some passers-by to throw him a wary glance.

“Which is precisely why I never mentioned it.” I add with a sigh.

“Tell me everything!” Anson demands as he pushes me into the café and quickly orders us both sandwiches and coffee.

“It’s nothing.” I tell him adamantly. “He’s
probably just screwing about. Besides, I don’t exactly have the greatest track record in the world when it comes to the opposite sex. I mean I couldn’t tell that my ex boyfriend was a psycho! Maybe I’m misreading everything.”

Anson frowns. “I need to make that judgement for myself. Give me all the details darlin’ – then we’ll decide if
it’s all in your head or not.”

I roll my eyes. “It’s pretty damn obvious he’s messing with me. You said it yourself once before, I’m not his type. So, why would he be interested?
Maybe I’m just that desperate for guys to like me that I’m imaging it all.”

Anson
throws me a withering look. “Or maybe he’s actually thinking with his upstairs brain for once. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”

I start to protest but Anson cuts me off.

“No, hear me out.” he says, holding out a hand to quieten me. “I know I said that he can be kind of an asshole – and he can – but I don’t think he’s messing with you Temperance. He’s actually gotten to know you over the last six weeks and maybe things have changed. The only way you can find out for sure is to just simply ask him.”

I frown
at him. “Ask him? Ask him what?”

Anson shakes his head wearily. “Ask him
what’s going on between you two. Ask him why he’s tried to kiss you.”

“I can’t ask him that!” I tell him, horrified at the thought.

“Why not? The worst outcome is that he’s just a flirty womaniser and meant nothing by it.” Anson tells me simply.

“Yeah, because that’s not gonna be super awkward at all.” I tell him drily.

Anson shrugs. “You’ll never know if you don’t ask.”

I stare at him. “That’s it? That’s all I get? Give me some tips or at least some words of wisdom Anson!”

“Go get him tiger?” he suggests with a grin.

I narrow my eyes at him. “If this goes bad, you’d better have a shitload of ice-cream ready to help me overcome my humiliation.”

“I’ll even provide the chocolate sauce!” Anson retorts with a wink.

“I hate you.”

“I love you too darlin’.”

***

Priestly

“What the hell is up with you?” Carter asks, punching me on the arm when I don’t answer him right away.

“What?” I say, shooting him a glare.

Carter sighs and rolls his eyes. “It’s Nerdo, isn’t it?”

Shit. Is it that obvious
that I possibly like her?

“Huh?” I say, playing dumb.

“Is she giving you shit again?” he asks.

Okay, so it’s not obvious after all. Thank fuck.

I shake my head. “No. She’s actually been pretty cool lately.”

Carter eyes me carefully. “Dude, what is with you and this chick
?”

“I don’t
know. She’s not as bad as I thought she was. Plus, I’m relieved that she’s agreed to tutor my sorry ass.” I admit.

Carter raises an eyebrow. “Is that all it is?”

“Yeah.” I say adamantly.

“Riii
iight.” Carter drawls. “And why do you care about passing so much?”

“My father.” I say heavily. “You know he’d be pissed if I failed. Your father might not give a shit about what you do but mine does, so back off.”

Carter held up his hands defensively. “Whoa! Chill dude. No need to get all hostile.”

I heave a sigh. “
I’m sorry, just stop giving me shit Carter. I don’t have a choice in the matter.”

Carter nods. “Okay dude.
I’m sorry. But, can we throw a party tonight?” he asks, looking hopeful.

I roll my eyes. “Fine. I’ll see you later on tonight.”

Just as I’m about to make my way back to the flat, I spot Nixon.

I glance around me and discover that we’re alone.

Perfect.

“Hey!” I yell, shoving into him. Hard.

He whirls around and visibly pales when he sees my face. “What do you want Priestly?”

“It’s simple really, leave. Permanently.”

“Or what?” he sneers.

“Or I can make your life a living hell.” I threaten.

“Oh yeah?” he says with a smirk.

I nod. “Yeah. You have no idea how creative I can get when it comes to dealing with dicks like you.”

He lets out an evil chuckle. “You’re bluffing.”

I stare him down. “Oh really? Well how about I report you and bring up your very colourful behaviour? I can let everyone know what a creep you really are … Ariana ring any bells?” I spit at him.

His face visibly pales but he shakes his head. “You wouldn’t. Ariana wouldn’t let you.”

I nod. “That might be true but there’s always that little incident with Temperance.”

I grin when he starts to look scared.

“Nothing happened.” he shoots back defiantly.

“That may be so but you and I both know that if I hadn’t have turned up, it would be a very different story. So, again, I’m telling you to leave
. Because if you don’t, trust me when I say that I’ll make you so miserable that you’ll be begging to get out of here.” I tell him with a charming smile.

He stares at me. “What?
Dude, you’re fucked up.”

I shake my head. “No
.
You’re
the one who’s fucked up. You’re the one who doesn’t know how to respect a lady.”

He smirks at me. “And you do? Remind me again, who’s the one famous for sleeping his way across campus? Yeah, that would be you. You’re just pissed that I got to Temperance before you could.
FYI, I wouldn’t waste my time on the frigid bitch.”

He did not just go there.

I advance towards him and grab the front of his shirt before he has the chance to cower away.

“Now listen here you little fucker, you ever say anything like that again and I’ll put you into a coma. Need I remind you of the past two times I’ve kicked your ass? Well, they were just warm ups buddy. I’ll mess you up so bad that
even your own mother won’t recognise you.”

I let go of him, dust off
his shirt, and throw him a menacing grin. “So, for the third and final time … Leave. Permanently.”

He
stares at me for a minute and then smirks. “You’re so full of shit Priestly. You know as well as I do that you’d be hauled out of here on your ass for assault.”

I
throw him a dangerous grin. “
Never
underestimate how much of a sneaky bastard I can be. The words ‘attempted sexual assault’ spring to mind.”

He flinches at my words, looking a little terrified before scurrying
off.

“I mean it shithead!” I yell after him.

I watch him half run away and make a mental note to make a few calls that ensure Nixon disappears for good. So, feeling quite pleased with myself, I head back to the flat, deciding that I deserve a beer after all that.

***

Temperance

How the hell am I meant to ask him?

How?

I heave a sigh and let myself into the building, trying to figure out the best way to drop casually into the conversation that I want to know what’s going on between us.

Yea
h, this is not going to be awkward and weird at all!

Ugh, I hate Anson for putting the idea in my head in the first place.

I make my way to the flat door and just as I am about to put my key into the lock, it flings open.

“Hey, Nerdo
.” Carter grins as I stumble back.

I frown at him. “What are
you
doing here?”

“Just dropping off some beers for the party l
ater.” he tells me with a grin before quickly running out the door.

Party? What party?

I’m so not ready for another party.

I hear music coming from Priestly’s room.

Forget asking him anything … He won’t be able to respond when he’s dead.

I storm down to his bedroom and push the door open so hard that it bangs off the wall.

“What the hell is this about a –”

I trail off at the sight before me.

Priestly. Shirtless.

“I – I –” I babble incoherently, staring at his bare chest.

You’d think I would’ve gotten used to it by now – especially when he was dressed up as a lifeguard.

But d
amn he looks lickable.

He smirks at me. “Decided to get me back from that time I caught you half naked?”

I shake my head, trying to think clearly.

Priestly. Shirtless.

Damn it!

“So, you were yelling?” he says with a grin, making no effort to put on a shirt.

Focus! Just focus!

“Yeah,” I say, blinking rapidly as I wake up from my stupor. “Yeah, what the hell are you playing at?” I yell at him, feeling my anger return.

“What?” he asks, looking innocent.

I notice that he still makes no attempt
to put on a shirt.

Instead, he moves closer to me with a wicked grin.

“The party?” I say, frowning at him. “I don’t think I can face another party just yet.”

He sighs
heavily. “Shit. I didn’t think.”

I stare at him. “That’s it? That’s
all you have to say?”

“What do you want me to say?” he challenges, looking angry now.

“Oh, I don’t know.” I reply drily. “Maybe you could apologise … and put on a shirt while you’re at it!” I add, unable to stop gazing at his abs.

His lips quirk up at that, and he moves closer to me, his grey eyes holding my gaze.

“I’m sorry Temperance.” he says genuinely, his eyes never leaving my face.

Okay, I totally wasn’t expecting that.

“I – I –” I trail off as his intense stare gives me shivers down my spine.

“You what?” he asks with a small grin, taking another step towards me.

“I want you to cancel the party.” I say slowly, still distracted by his lack of shirt and piercing gaze.

“I can’t do that.” he tells me. “I made a promise to Carter.”

“But, I don’t think I can deal with it.” I say lamely.

He sighs heavily. “I’m sorry but I promised
.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “Cancel the party.”

He raises an eyebrow. “No.”

God he’s infuriating!